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["Jim Fruth" <jimfruth@charter.net>]

Jim Nottkel wrote, "I conclude that "acid-loving plants" like pine needles 
(and pine sawdust) for some reason other than acidity"

   A major reason why pine needles may be the best mulch is because they 
tend to be hydrophobic.   When it rains, the very top needles get wet but 
generally not those farther below.  Most of the rain passes through them to 
the ground.  With all other mulches I have worked with, the ground gets no 
moisture until all of the mulch is thoroughly saturated.

Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN  56472
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